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John Daley reporting The countdown is on for Utah's brand new pro sports franchise.
On Saturday, Real Salt Lake kicks off the first home game of its first season.
There's an event happening almost every day leading up to Saturday's game at Rice Eccles Stadium, where the club is expecting a big crowd. To measure the excitement we decided to check in with some guys who know a thing or two about soccer mania.
After two road games, Utah's new pro soccer club is back home and looking to build enthusiasm for Saturday's home opener.
Today, Mayor Rocky Anderson , who is out of state, proclaimed this week "Real Week" with a series of events for fans. Coach John Ellinger says Utahns are already embracing the team.
John Ellinger/ Coach, Real Salt Lake: "The fans in Salt Lake have been absolutely fabulous."
Dean Howes/ CEO, Real Salt Lake: "We think we're going to have a crowd well over 20 thousand people there for our first game."
The Spanish-speaking station Telemundo is airing a Real Salt Lake soccer show every Sunday night and the games will broadcast live on radio on Recuerdo 1600 AM.
Nelson Moran and Luis Rivas will be calling the games. Both men hail from El Salvador.
Nelson Moran/ Soccer Announcer, Telemundo: "You know in my country everybody loves the soccer. In my country, the people goes to the stadium every weekend, more than the church. For us the soccer is a passion. It's a soul. Everybody is excited with the soccer."
They believe Utah's growing Latino community will strongly support the team.
Nelson Moran, Soccer Announcer, Telemundo: "For everybody the point that we have an M.L.S. team in Utah is good, good for everybody."
Rivas, with the deep-toned voice, does play by play, and is expecting plenty of trademark soccer celebrating.
"Real Week" includes Wednesday's premiere for the soccer film "Game of the Lives." And then on Saturday Carnival Real, with all kinds of fun activities for kids. That happens from 11:30 to 1:00, when the game kicks off.
By the way, the club is advising folks to buy tickets in advance. They are expecting a big crowd on Saturday.
